Holiday Hoopla: Community enjoys festive activities at Gouverneur Recreation Center

by Rachel Hunter

A surprise visit by Jolly Old St. Nick thrilled the youngest set in the Gouverneur community at the 2023 Toddler Town Holiday Hoopla event on Tuesday, December 19 at the Gouverneur Recreation Center, Trinity Ave., Gouverneur.

At about 11 a.m., Santa Claus stepped through the doors at the Gouverneur Recreation Center alongside Gouverneur Recreation Center Director Casey Canell and Head Attendant Michelle Prashaw. Director Canell guided Santa Claus toward a chair next to the Gouverneur Recreation Center’s ornately decorated Christmas tree. The local children quickly spotted Jolly Old St. Nick and started jumping up and down in excitement. The youngsters ran toward Santa Claus, who greeted them with a jolly laugh that caused his belly to shake like a bowl-filled with jelly. He took his seat and welcomed the children with open arms, and took the opportunity to hear all of their Christmas wishes. While at the Gouverneur Recreation Center, Santa Claus also had the opportunity to learn what the children’s favorite toys were, and took note in advance of his midnight ride on Christmas Eve (December 24). Each youth received a Christmas gift surprise at the special event. The youth at the Toddler Town playgroup also enjoyed refreshments, music and holiday-themed activities.

Gouverneur Recreation Department’s Toddler Town continues to meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings throughout the year. The program regularly includes interactive socialization, music, art, story, snack, and active play. For more information on how to join Toddler Town, call the Gouverneur Recreation Department at 315-287-0524,

Later the same day (Dec. 19), Santa Claus made another visit to the Gouverneur Recreation Center – this time to visit with the local children in the After-School Program, STEAM Studio. The Holiday Hoopla events included creative activities, fun festivities, and so much more. The youths also took part in the Helping Hands with Helping Neighbors December Canned Food Drive, and each canned food item donated was eligible for tickets to win prizes. The After-School Program, Recreation Center STEAM Studio, highlights opportunities exploring the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). There are theme days and guests with fine art appreciation, as well as interactive social play and gaming stations with tournaments. This month’s highlights was the Holiday Hoopla events with festive Christmas arts and crafts. Students in UPK to Grade 1 meet at the Gouverneur Recreation Center on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, and students in Grade 2-4 meet on Mondays and Wednesday afternoons. Bus transportation is provided by the Gouverneur Central School District. For more information, call the Gouverneur Recreation Center at 315-287-0524.

The Gouverneur Recreation Department’s Senior Citizen Bingo and Coffee Social is held weekly on Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon. The event features food bingo games with socialization. Highlights this month included an Ornament Exchange (Dec. 8) and a Christmas Bingo (Dec. 22). The New Year’s Bingo Bonanza will be held Friday, December 29, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Gouverneur Recreation Center, Trinity Ave., Gouverneur. All local senior citizens are invited to participate. For more information, call the Gouverneur Recreation Center at 315-287-0524.

The Gouverneur Recreation Center’s Before-School Morning Program this month featured holiday and Christmas themed activities with Kindness Awards. The Before-School Morning Program is held weekdays at the Gouverneur Elementary School in partnership with the Gouverneur Central School District. The enrichment program features early morning wake-up activities, interactive social play, arts and crafts, and breakfast. For more information, call the Gouverneur Recreation Department at 315-287-0524.

The Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees, upon the recommendation of Director Canell, at its Dec. 19 meeting appointed Reigan Ayen as Recreation Attendant, Stacy Canell as Recreation Attendant (temporary position as needed) and Brandon Griffin (Recreation Attendant temporary position as needed). The motion was made by Village of Gouverneur Deputy Mayor Charles Newvine, seconded by Village Trustee Shelly Simons-Washburn. The motion carried.

Director Canell also reported that the SLC Youth Bureau annual report has been submitted for 2023. The Missoula Children’s Theatre contract with deposit was submitted for Summer 2024. The Helping Hand Helping Neighbors Food Drive continues to meet the needs of local residents. The drop box is located at the lobby entrance. For more information, call the Gouverneur Recreation Department at 315-287-0524.